How to: Room count in real estate in Croatia
If you’ve ever searched for apartments to buy or rent in Croatia, you’ve likely encountered terms like “one-bedroom,” “two-bedroom,” or “three-bedroom” apartment. However, the concept of what each room count truly entails can vary greatly across different listings, and many buyers and renters feel confused when reading real estate advertisements in Dalmatia. For example, in one listing, a “two-bedroom apartment” might mean one bedroom plus a living room, while in another, it could mean two separate bedrooms plus a living area. This blog will clarify these definitions and help you understand how apartment rooms are categorized.
Table of Contents
What is the difference between a room and a bedroom?
The concept of “room count” in an apartment isn’t straightforward. According to architectural literature, the difference between a room and a bedroom can be explained as: rooms can be divided into two zones: a private area (bedrooms, closets, bathrooms) and a social area (living room, dining area, kitchen). Each zone can contain different functional units, such as a living room and dining space or kitchen and storage rooms. These functional units can complicate how rooms are counted, particularly in real estate listings.
Who is defining the room count?
In everyday language, people often assume a two-bedroom apartment includes two separate bedrooms and a living room, while a one-bedroom apartment includes one bedroom and a living room. However, according to certain housing standards and regulations, the living room is often counted as one of the rooms. In this interpretation, a two-bedroom apartment might only consist of one bedroom and a living room, while a one-bedroom apartment might just have a single combined living and sleeping space.
This ambiguity can often confuse potential buyers and renters. In Croatia, the only official regulation regarding room count in apartments is the Ordinance on Minimal Technical Requirements for Apartment Design and Construction, which guides social housing projects.
What are apartment rooms?
The Ordinance provides specific standards for room counts:
- Studio apartment: Entryway, living room with sleeping area and kitchen, and bathroom.
- One-bedroom apartment: Entryway, living room with dining area and kitchen, and bathroom.
- Two-bedroom apartment: Entryway, living room with dining area, a minimum 8 sq m bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom.
- Three-bedroom apartment: Entryway, hallway, living room with dining area, two bedrooms (each at least 8 sq m), kitchen, bathroom, and additional WC.
These definitions help standardize apartment layouts, but the way listings are presented can often differ, which can lead to confusion for potential buyers.
What exactly is a 2-bedroom apartment?
According to the Ordinance mentioned, a “two-bedroom apartment” includes one bedroom plus a living room. However, real estate listings frequently interpret room counts differently, meaning that a two-bedroom apartment could contain one or two separate bedrooms depending on whether the living room is counted as a bedroom or not.
To fully understand the layout of an apartment, carefully review each listing and ask the real estate agent directly how many separate bedrooms are in the apartment.
How to understand room counts when buying or renting an apartment in Croatia?
To avoid misunderstandings when buying or renting an apartment in Croatia, it’s best to confirm the exact layout and room count directly in each listing. While the Ordinance provides guidelines, real estate ads often vary in their descriptions.
When speaking with agents, ask specific questions about the exact number of bedrooms to have a clear expectation before you schedule a tour.
If you want to learn more about real estate, market trends, and expert tips on finding the right property, stay on our website and check out our wide range of informative articles. And don’t forget to follow us on social media to get regular updates and insights into the world of real estate.
8 reasons to choose a real estate agency in …
How to: Room count in real estate in Croatia
Buying property in Croatia: Your advice in 5…
